A study of the Prevalence of low Birth weight and its Risk Factors in Babol, in 1998

Background and

Low birth weight (LBW) is one of the main cause of mortality in neonates. The prevalence and the risk factors differ in different countries. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of LBW in neonates and some of its risk factors in Babol.

This research was designed for a limited span of time, 1087 cases of neonates from all the deliveries of Babol were selected in First 3 months of the year1989. The data were collected by measuring the birth weight and interviewing the mothers.Statistical analysis was done by logestic regression method.

The ratio of LBW was 6.2% with 95% confidence interval (7.6 and 4.8%). The odd ratio (ÔR) of LBW in females was 84% more than males (ÔR= 4) (ÔR= 1.84 and P = 0.09). The risk factor with twins or multiparity was 15.9 times more and of neonates less than 37 weeks was 9.8 times more (P= 0.0001). This risk was reduced to 40% in mothers with 2-4 parities compared with mothers of single parity (P= 0.07 and ÔR = 0.60), while for the fifth and higher parities this risk increased significantly(P = 0.0001 and ÔR= 3.89). Âge of less than 19 years and illiteracy of mother have increased the risk LBW, but was not significant. Ïn the stepwise multiple regression analysis, the effect of gestation age i.e.< 37 weeks ÔR= 10.1, begin twin (ÔR= 16.61) and being a female child. (ÔR= 1.99) have increased the risk of LBW significantly. Çonclusion: Therefore prevention of preterm deliveries and conducting the health education program in high risks, especially illiterate mothers, young mothers of age less than Nineteen years and the first parity contribute to the prevention of LBW.